‘Historic’ reforms to aged care
Older Australians will be better supported, have more choice and better access to information under the historic reforms to aged care, which took effect yesterday.
Older Australians will be better supported, have more choice and better access to information under the historic reforms to aged care, which took effect yesterday.
Speaking at Bupa Croydon aged care home in Melbourne, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Senator Jacinta Collins, made the announcement, stating yesterday marked the implementation of key changes under the federal government’s $3.7 billion Living Longer. Living Better aged care reforms.
“A new home care packages program will be introduced, providing four levels of care to help older Australians living at home.
“And all new packages will be delivered under a ‘Consumer Directed Care’ model, giving people choice and flexibility in how that care is provided, so they can choose the types of care and services they access, whether that be bathing support, help in the garden, help with the laundry or therapy services,” Senator Collins said.
An extra $880 million will increase the number of home care packages from 60,000 to 100,000 over the next five years.
Australia’s Aged Care Commissioner will also have greater powers, to independently examine decisions of the Aged Care Complaints Scheme, and to order a new resolution process that takes his views into account.
An extra $285 million will also fund new ‘dementia’ and ‘veterans’ supplements for about 24,000 Australians with dementia, as well as veterans with mental health conditions, in their own homes and in aged care homes.
Senator Collins added a new $1.1 billion Workforce Supplement would fund wage increases for the nation’s 350,000 aged care staff, recognising the need for quality staff and better wages and conditions.
She said under the new initiatives, people receiving home care will now have access to the Community Visitors Scheme, providing companionship and reducing social isolation.
“These are the most substantial reforms to Australia’s aged care system in a generation and follow a Productivity Commission review and extensive consultation with the sector, older Australians and their families.”
